Commitments made to fight cancer

Commitments Made to Fight Cancer

All four political leaders seeking election on May 4th committed to the Canadian Cancer Society’s call for the elimination of these products.

Chewing tobacco and cigarillos in candy flavours are gaining popularity, especially among students at junior high and high school on P.E.I. The high nicotine content leads to addiction.

The province of Nova Scotia recently enacted legislation to ban the sale of flavoured tobacco, including menthol cigarettes.

“We are delighted with the unanimous support to follow Nova Scotia’s lead on this, says Jane Farquharson, executive director, Canadian Cancer Society, P.E.I Division. “Strawberry and bubblegum flavoured tobacco products are clearly targeted at young people, drawing them into what could become a serious, cancer causing addiction.”

The Canadian Cancer Society is also pleased with united support expressed by all party leaders to hire a full-time cancer epidemiologist for this province.

“This is a very important step in determining what is causing high cancer rates and higher mortality rates in some cancers on P.E.I.,” says Farquharson.

The Canadian Cancer Society, P.E.I. Division, presented politicians with platform papers calling for support on five priorities to prevent cancer and improve care.

The call for a ban on cosmetic pesticides was verbally endorsed by leaders of the Progressive Conservatives, NDP and Green parties. A spokesperson for the Liberal party stated: “The Liberal Party is committed to working with all interested parties, including our agricultural community, in an effort to find a mutually-beneficial solution to this important issue.

The other priorities set by the Canadian Cancer Society include updating the Provincial Drug Formulary to be on par with other Maritime Provinces and expanding coverage under P.E.I.’s Pharmacare program to include all evidence-based smoking cessation medications and Nicotine Replacement Therapies.

“We look forward to working in partnership with the government chosen by Islanders on May 4th, to accomplish all of these objectives,” says Farquharson.

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The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Full survey results are available at cancer.ca.